Gary Neville was among the pundits to blast ‘crazy and stupid’ Cristian Romero after he was nearly sent off during Tottenham’s win over Newcastle.
Spurs thrashed the Magpies 4-1 in North London courtesy of goals from Destiny Udogie, Richarlison (two) and Son Heung-min.
However, the home side were fortunate to finish the game with ten men after Romero recklessly fouled Callum Wilson in the 80th minute, for which he was booked, but even after VAR had a look he escaped a red card.
The centre-back has only just returned from a three-game suspension after he was sent off in the incident-filled 4-1 loss to Chelsea, and those watching the match couldn’t believe he would commit another risky challenge – especially with is side 3-0 up.
He’s mad him, honestly. Absolutely mad,’ Manchester United legend Neville said on commentary for Sky Sports.
‘I think it’s a red card at first look. He’s crazy, Romero. He always has to tackle. Slowing players down doesn’t come into his head.
‘For me it’s a red. I have very little sympathy with him. He’s just gone straight over the ball into his ankle. He’s defenceless.’
Cristian Romero was fortunate to not receive a red card against Newcastle, according to Gary Neville
Former Tottenham centre-back Michael Dawson agreed with Neville and felt Romero was lucky not to be handed a red card. “I thought it was stupid,” Dawson said. “No need to make the challenge, 3-0 up and you’re in cruise control.
“He goes over the top and I think he’s very fortunate. No need to make that. That is stupidity, he’s just come back from suspension. It could’ve been very costly.”
Jamie Redknapp added: “It’s spiteful. It’s just going to cost your team. There are so many times he could get sent off. Someone told me he’s vice captain, he has to set an example. You’re already short without [Micky] van de Ven. He sees red, it’s in him. There’s some players, you can’t tame them. He has that aggression.”
As for the game itself, Son impressed for Tottenham as he grabbed one goal and two assists. Speaking after the match, the Tottenham winger was pleased as his side bounced back from going five without a win.
Richarlison celebrates after scoring for Tottenham against Newcastle (
Getty Images)
“Obviously, when you’re winning the game you enjoy it more,” Son said. “Bouncing back like that was important, we don’t want to make mistakes. I hope we can continue to perform like this and stay humble.
“I said it before, we have to be more ruthless in their box, especially when they drop deep. You also have to be clinical. Beating Newcastle 4-1 is not easy, they are a strong side. Credit to the players and fans.
“We are playing in the PL and we have to demand more and more. It is never enough, look at the amazing teams, they keep going and going. Today was another good lesson.”
Leave a Reply